Esther Parsons Memorial

The Parsons/Kunkle Scholarship was established by the family of Esther Parsons in her memory in 1968. Esther was interested in becoming a nurse since she was a child; however, her parents wanted her to pursue a career in education. She taught school in southwestern Butler County for two years. She then started working at the hospital, eventually becoming an ex-ray technician. She worked in the medical field until her death in December, 1966. The Esther Parsons Nursing Scholarship is the oldest endowed scholarship at Butler Community College. Ms. Patricia Kunkle, granddaughter of Esther Parsons, and Mrs. Walter (Kathryn) Kunkle, daughter of Esther Parsons, have consistently added to the fund throughout the years. In 2007 it was decided by Kathryn and Pat that the criteria be changed to include Education as well as Vocational Programs. The scholarship name was changed to honor both the Parsons Family along with the Kunkle Family.